More than just a name

(Recorded at the Hammond/Whiting nursing home. We apologize for the background sounds. This service was conducted for the residents in the dining hall.) Here before us is a list of names. Eight of the nine given are actually there with the Apostle Paul. These men have chosen to stand with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. But they stand for more then just that. Each one in this cast of characters portrays a different aspect of the Christian life. By simply studying these verses and comparing this list with other parts of scripture where these men are also mentioned we gain access to deeper understanding of who they were and at the same time what we might could be ourselves. The good, the bad, and the hope. During this rough time in Paul's life here they are. Can the same thing be said about us during someone's rough time? Or, when it is our rough time how strong is the cast around us? Have we done our part to be like one of these men and at the same time help build those around us up to be like these men? Not every one is called to be a great, well-known, big name preacher. Yes this list included two gospel writers, but the others they played somewhat smaller roles in fact one is only mentioned here and no where else in scripture. But God knows him. He knows my name. Does he know yours? It is ok to be a foot note in history; because it is His story. Don't worry if the world doesn't know you just do as the Lord would have you to do. Even if all that is, is just to be faithful.